How to Transport Heavy Machinery in Alberta

Heavy machinery transport in Alberta can be a logistical nightmare. Heavy equipment transportation services need to use the right vehicles, get the permits on time, plan routes, know if escort vehicles are required, and other details needed to make equipment transport go smoothly.

If you’re planning to ship excavators, wheel loaders, and other construction equipment, here’s what you need to know about the legal axle weight limits and permits around shipping heavy machinery equipment in Alberta.

Axle Weight Limits on Heavy Equipment Shipment Vehicles

A-Train

Axle weight	Maximum limit
Steering Axle	6000 kg
Single Axle:
Single tires	7300 kg
Wide base single tires	9100 kg
Dual tires	9100 kg
Tandem Axle:
Single tires	13,600 kg
Wide base single tires	17,000 kg
Dual tires	17,000 kg
Gross Vehicle Weight	Cannot exceed the sum of the maximum legal axle weights to a maximum of 53,500 kg.

B-Train

Weight	Maximum limit
Steering Axle	6000 kg
Single Axle:
Single tires	7300 kg
Wide base single tires	9100 kg
Dual tires	9100 kg
Tandem Axle:
Single tires	13,600 kg
Wide base single tires	17,000 kg
Dual tires	17,000 kg
Tridem Axle:
Single and super single tires	19,000 kg
Dual tires with axle spread 2.4 m to less than 3.0 m	21,000 kg
Dual tires with axle spread 3.0 m to 3.1 m	24,000 kg
Gross Vehicle Weight Limits	GVW of 63,500 kg

C-Train

Axle weight	Maximum limit
Steering Axle	6000 kg
Single Axle:
Single tires	7300 kg
Wide base single tires	9100 kg
Dual tires	9100 kg
Tandem Axle:
Single tires	13,600 kg
Wide base single tires	17,000 kg
Dual tires	17,000 kg
Gross Vehicle Weight Limits	Cannot exceed the sum of the maximum legal axle weights to a maximum of 60,500 kg. **

Escort Vehicles

To deal with operational and/or routing risks when hauling equipment, escort vehicles are required by Alberta for equipment hauling if the shipment exceeds 3.85 metres in width (12’ 6”). 

WidthRequirement
Over 12’6″ Wide	1 (Rear on 2-Lane and Front on 4-Lane)
Over 14’7″ Wide (2 Lane)	2 (Front and Rear)
Over 14’7″ Wide (4 Lane)	1 Rear
Over 18′ Wide (4 Lane)	2 (Front and Rear)

Heavy equipment haulers are also required to ensure that crew members are provided with 2-way radio communication devices, the appropriate dimensional signs, advance warning triangles, 3 warning flags for traffic marking, reflective vests, and flashlights equipped with signal tubes. 

Permit Fees

Calculating the permit fees on machinery shipping in Alberta can be overwhelming. If not done correctly or if a vehicle is violating the permit issued and if it is overweight, the heavy equipment transport company could face hundreds of dollars in fines.

Navigating the complex permit regulations for oversize, overweight and multi-trip transport can be very difficult. Having an experienced transport company guide you through the process can ensure your equipment gets to the job site on time and without hassle.

Transporting Heavy Equipment Across Alberta with The Experts

Whether you’re rearranging your facilities, removing outdated equipment, replacing worn-out machinery, or just moving to a new location, it’s not worth the risk or effort to do it yourself. Not only is shipping heavy equipment stressful and time-consuming, but without the right equipment and properly trained crew members, you put the lives of your workers and other road users at risk. 

Hiring a heavy hauling service like Spectrum will ensure safety on the job and that your assets are moved without damage. Timely delivery will also ensure that your operations or projects continue on schedule. Contact us today to discuss how heavy hauling can support your business.